5 Good Reasons to Train Your Dog

1. Training a dog can help him keep his home. It’s a fact that many dogs are turned into animal shelters each year because they are considered by their owners to be out of control. They may be exhibiting “behavior problems” such as soiling the house, jumping on people or barking too much. Training a dog can help solve these problems. If a puppy continues to soil the house or jump on people or otherwise cause problems at home, chances are that many times his owner will end up turning him in to an animal shelter. It just takes a little training to solve these behavior problems and help a dog keep his home.

2. Training helps a dog be more responsive. Dogs that are trained are used to watching their owner and listening for commands. They are more attuned to their owners and focused on them instead of distracted. This makes a dog a pleasure to be with. You can teach these dogs more and more.

3. Training can be fun for dogs. If you train your dog with positive reinforcement then you and your dog can have fun while you train. Your dog is rewarded with something pleasant for doing each small thing right and you, the trainer, get positive feedback from your dog. What’s not to like?

4. Training is a great way to spend time with your dog. The two of you are working on something together. You have a project that you both understand. You’re comrades or, if you like, teacher and pupil. It’s one of the best ways there is to get close to your dog and really understand how he thinks and his true personality.

5. Training actually improves your relationship with your dog. As your dog learns more he becomes more educated and more intelligent. That means he’s more capable of understanding you, just as you’re more capable of understanding him. The bond between the two of you grows as you spend time together.

Dear Jan,

Thank you again (and again) for the help and training you provided in getting our Golden Retriever (Beau) trained in passing both his Canine Good Citizen test as well as passing the one for Therapy Dog International. From the time Beau was a puppy, my husband and I felt that he had the personality and demeanor to be a Therapy Dog. However, we weren’t familiar with the procedure or just how to go about achieving our goal. In April we had the good fortune to meet Jan Jaeger through the S.A.F.E. Haven animal rescue group. She was teaching a Canine Good Citizen class beginning April 15th. We found out the CGC is necessary before taking the TDI. With Jan’s help and much encouragement to both Beau and me, our boy passed his test July 15th. Now we began to focus on finding and taking the TDI which was to be offered November 14th. However, during the summer, Beau had begun a bad habit of lunging at my friends and neighbors to be petted…not good! On November 1st, I contacted Jan to have her meet with us and observe him. She quickly came up with the solution……just going back to basics! Beau was in command more than his owner. We met once more before his test, and he had much improved in a week! In my opinion, Jan has the great ability to quickly focus on a dog’s problem and recommend the fix! I would highly recommend her for any training your dog might need. Brenda and J.B. Davenport

Buddy

I met Buddy when he was 12 weeks old. He was such a sweet puppy and has grown into this absolutely handsome, well-trained, obedient member of his family. It was a real thrill for me to watch Pat and Bob turn this boy into what he is today. I am so proud of all three of them! - Jan

"Jan followed through with everything she said she would do. She is dependable, patient and always encouraged us. Jan was always available to answer questions and concerns we had. Buddy is a pleasure to have and I believe it is all due to Jan teaching me and Bob how to teach Buddy to be obedient." - Pat

Cody

Cody had never had any obedience training when I met him. He was a fun-filled Bichon who was ruling his house and family! Everyone in the family got on-board to help teach Cody some manners such as how to take a walk without dragging them down the street or without him walking on two legs as he pulled on the leash. With the family's consistent work, Cody became as well -behaved as he is cute! I loved working with Cody & I loved hugging him too!

Max

Max and Ned Max was an "out-of-control" sweet lab when Ned brought him home. He was rescued by a teacher at Ned's school and was looking for a great home. Ned couldn't refuse this beautiful, happy boy, but his family quickly noticed that he had no obedience skills whatsoever! After just a few weeks, with Ned working hard every day, Max graduated from obedience class. He is a great dog with a great owner! It was my pleasure to be able to help Ned and Max.

Lila Pearl

In only 6 weeks, Lila Pearl, a 7 month old Cavalier King Charles spaniel learned over 15 commands, including sitting in her place while visitors come into the house!Great Job!!

Browser

Browser is a 7 year old Jack Russell Terrier who just graduated from obedience training. Never say you can't teach an old dog new tricks! He is one smart boy!!